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The Rat Trap Value Based Questions
The Rat Trap Value Based Questions
2. In the forest, the peddler felt trapped. He even accepted his approaching death.
This shows that the burden of guilt of theft of money from the crafter is really heavy
upon him. Write a note on Guilt burdens you and disturbs the peace of mind.
3. The Rattrap highlights human predicament / weakness and tendency to fall prey
to temptations. In this pursuit, the real aim of life i.e. attaining spiritual heights is
lost somewhere. Comment on “Contentment – the purpose of life”.
4. Edla with her love and compassion is a true living example of humanity and brings
out the best in the rattrap peddler. Confidence, optimism and kindness may reform
weak personalities. Comment.
5. Selfless love, empathy, sympathy and compassion provide a healing touch to the
distracted souls. This is evident from the story The Rattrap. Common on the role of
human values in bringing about change in one‟s behaviour.
7. “But of course it is you, Nils Olof. How you do look? Now of course, you will come
home with me,” says the iron master. However he proves to be wrong later on.
“Impulsive / rash decisions are generally wrong”. Road rage is the burning example
of such behaviour. Comment.
Value Points
iv) Trustworthy.
2. i) Increases stress and snatches peace.
2. What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap?
Answer: The peddler realised that he must not walk on the public highway with the
stolen money in his pocket. He went into the woods. He kept walking without
coming to the end of the wood. Then he realised that he had fallen in the rattrap.
He had let himself fooled by a bait and had been caught in.
5. How did the peddler defend himself against not having revealed his true
identity?
Answer: The peddler explained that he had not tried to pretend as his acquaintance.
He was not at fault. All along he had maintained that he was a poor trader. He had
pleaded and begged to be allowed to stay in the forge. No harm had been done by
his stay. He was willing to put on his rags again and go away.
6. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
Answer: As soon as Edla opened the package of the gift, the contents came into
view. She found a small rattrap with three wrinkled ten kronor notes and a letter
addressed to her. The peddler wanted to be nice in return as she had been so nice
to him all day long. He did not want her to be embarrassed at the Christmas season
by a thief.
7. How does the peddler interpret the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by
the crofter, the iron master and his daughter?
Answer: The peddler interprets the acts of kindness and hospitality shown by the
crofter, the iron master and his daughter differently. He cheats the crofter as he
provides his company in his loneliness and helps him pass time. He wants to get a
couple of kronor from the iron master and is surprised at the contrasting style of
behaviour of father and daughter. He is touched by the kindness, care and
intervention of Edla on his behalf.
9. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human
predicament?
Answer: The world entices a person through the various good things of life such as
riches and joy, shelter and food, heat and clothing. These were just like the baits in
the rattrap. Once someone is tempted by the bait, the world closed on him. The
peddler was tempted by thirty kronor of the crofter. It makes him hide. He walks
through the wood. He is afraid to go to the Manor house. He gets peace only after
returning the bait (money).
10. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle?
Answer: The ironmaster has invited the peddler to his house mistaking him for
Captain von Stahle. He was welcomed there and looked after as captain even after
the reality became known. The peddler got a chance to redeem himself from
dishonest ways by acting as an honourable Captain.
MCQ
1. What earns the sympathy of the reader towards the peddler?
a. His actions
b. His stories
c. His face
d. His sense of humour and innocent acceptance
Answer- d. His sense of humour and innocent acceptance
5. What does the rattrap seller have to do to make his both ends meet?
a. Peddling
b. Selling
c. Begging
d. Thievery and begging
Answer- d. Thievery and begging
6. What does the metaphor Rattrap in the lesson signify?
a. Humans
b. Thieves
c. Attractions
d. Human greed and distractions
Answer- d. Human greed and distractions
8. What did the ironmaster feel when he saw the rattrap seller after he was well
groomed by his valet?
a. Not pleased
b. Very happy
c. Suspicious
d. Angry
Answer- a. Not pleased